The committee’s vision of the NII [is] a data network with open and evolvable interfaces. Such a network should be capable of carrying information services of all kinds, from suppliers of all kinds, to customers of all kinds, across network service providers of all kinds, in a seamless accessible fashion. Moreover, the user of an Open Data Network should be able to access this capability as he or she moves from place to place. The network should be scalable in the many dimensions of size, load, services, reach, and utility; should integrate a range of network technology and end-node devices; and should provide a framework for security.
Predictor: National Research Council
Prediction, in context:In 1994, the NRENaissance Committee, appointed by the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board of the National Research Council, produced a special report titled “Realizing the Information Future: The Internet and Beyond.” Among the committee members were Internet pioneers Leonard Kleinrock, David Clark, David Farber, Lawrence Landweber and Robert Kahn. The committee’s goal was to “study issues raised by the shift to a larger, more truly national networking capability.” In the introductory pages of the report, the committee presents its ideal vision: ”There are many possible visions for an NII. Members of the Internet networking communities, for example, look forward to an NII that will continue to provide a laboratory for discovering innovative applications for information technology in research, education, and commerce. Major players in the entertainment, telephone, and cable TV (ETC) sector see movies, games, and home shopping offered over the NII as promising commercial ventures. Motivating the administration’s support of the NII are broad social and economic policy considerations basic to improving the quality of life in the United States. Included in the mix of expectations and approaches are the views of various trade, public interest, and professional organizations about the NII’s potential for meeting their diverse needs. The committee’s vision of the NII [is] a data network with open and evolvable interfaces. Such a network should be capable of carrying information services of all kinds, from suppliers of all kinds, to customers of all kinds, across network service providers of all kinds, in a seamless accessible fashion. Moreover, the user of an Open Data Network should be able to access this capability as he or she moves from place to place. The network should be scalable in the many dimensions of size, load, services, reach, and utility; should integrate a range of network technology and end-node devices; and should provide a framework for security. The committee’s vision of the NII is based on a 25-year legacy of computer networking in the United States. The current manifestation of that legacy is the worldwide Internet that serves more than 15 million people. Its success is based largely on the Internet’s openness, which allows interoperability of all of its attached networks.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: Information Infrastructure
Subtopic: Open Access
Name of publication: Realizing the Information Future: The Internet and Beyond
Title, headline, chapter name: The Vision of an Open Data Network
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://stills.nap.edu/html/rtif/
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney